Inter Milan v Fiorentina: Arnautovic scores late winner

Inter Milan closed the gap to Serie A leaders Napoli to just one point with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Fiorentina, avenging their recent league defeat to La Viola.

The match began with Inter nearly making an instant breakthrough as Matteo Darmian’s precise cross found Lautaro Martinez, whose volley narrowly missed the target. Despite a sluggish start, Fiorentina’s defensive structure proved challenging for the hosts to break down.

Inter came closest through Nicolo Barella’s acrobatic bicycle kick, which skimmed just wide, and later hit the woodwork twice in quick succession, courtesy of Carlos Augusto and Martinez from consecutive corners.

Inter eventually found the opener in controversial fashion. A disputed corner led to a deflected ball off Marin Pongracic, resulting in an own goal. Fiorentina quickly responded with a penalty after Robin Gosens’ header struck Darmian’s arm. Rolando Mandragora calmly converted, slotting into the top corner to level the score.

The parity didn’t last long, as Augusto’s speculative cross set up Marko Arnautovic to rise above the defence and restore Inter’s lead with a commanding header early in the second half. Inter dominated possession thereafter but failed to deliver a decisive blow, with Nicola Zalewski’s late effort flashing wide.

Fiorentina offered little in attack, with Nicolo Zaniolo’s long-range attempt posing no threat. Inter’s solid defence secured the win, earning vital points in their quest for back-to-back league titles.